Dear Colleagues,

Gynecological surgery has changed considerably over the last century. Fifty years ago it would have been almost unthinkable to have the many minimally invasive instruments and amazing new technologies that are now widely available in all modern operating rooms.

Imaging has become common practice in virtually all gynecological procedures, often in a mix of preoperative, image-guided endoscopic microsurgery. This has made gynecological surgery more efficient and safe, with faster recoveries, reduced pain, and fewer adverse events, thus reducing costs and improving outcomes.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) reigns supreme in the operating room and is the best alternative to traditional open surgery and traditional laparoscopic techniques.

MIS currently includes single-port laparoscopy, natural orifice endoscopic surgery (NOTES), robotic platforms equipped with stereotactic 3D immersive and ergonomic handles, office hysteroscopy, mini-resectoscopy, interventional radiology, and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS). These techniques are used for both benign gynecology and gynecological oncology, including complex gynecological procedures.

Many of the endoscopic surgical devices can be interfaced with large radiological machines that allow complete human-machine interaction directly in the operating field. This allows improved surgical outcomes and reduced collateral damage.

Unfortunately, technological and endoscopic innovation is not homogeneous throughout the world, with some countries being more technologically advanced and others having structural and organizational deficits. Therefore, as the Guest Editor of this Special Issue, my aim is to collect a wide array of the most promising innovations in gynecologic MIS and imaging from expert colleagues working at the forefront of this field.

Dr. Andrea Tinelli

Guest Editor